Things to do in Krakow

30 Great Activities for Every Visitor (2019)

Published:

03.01.2019

Krakow is a fantastic place that caters to many tastes. Whether you’re visiting Krakow with your significant other, the entire family, or on your own, you can be sure to find plenty of things to fill your time in the city and make for a fantastic vacation.

Table of content:

TOP things to do in Kraków

Romantic things to do in Krakow

Kids-friendly activities in Krakow

Delicious places to visit

Something for Music Fans

COOL things to do in Krakow

ACTIVE things to do in Krakow

Unique places to see

FUN things for young adults

See? You will find something for yourself for sure!

Ready to experience Krakow?

TOP things to do in Kraków

It doesn’t matter who you are and what you like – when visiting Krakow, there are just some things everyone should see.

(3) Oskar Schindler’s factory

The history buff will be delighted to visit the museum inside Oskar Schindler’s factory. You can visit Schindler’s preserved office and learn more about his heroism than you ever would from the Spielberg movie.

@georgesprosperremi

(4) Auschwitz – Birkenau Museum

Another must-see is the concentration camp in Auschwitz connected to the tragic times of the Nazi rule in Poland. It played an important role in the history of the Second World War and visiting the place serves as a form of commemoration of the many victims of the Nazi regime.

ROMANTIC things to do in Krakow

Krakow is an excellent destination for a romantic getaway, starting from the charming Main Market Square to delightful street musicians playing romantic melodies. You can get your significant other a fairy-tale ride in a horse-drawn carriage or an unforgettable candlelit dinner. If you are coming to Krakow to celebrate an anniversary or for a romantic weekend, you’re in the right place.

(6) Botanical Garden

Take a stroll at the Botanical Garden of the Jagiellonian University. This 18th-century garden is located nearby the Old Town and welcomes visitors to explore almost 10 hectares square populated by thousands of impressive plants. Note that you can visit the gardens only from mid-April until mid-October.

@_anna_isabelle

(7) Kazimierz

A walk around Kazimierz (free)

Free Walking Tour of Kazimierz (free)

Another fantastic activity for couples is a walk through the most enchanting district in Krakow, the Jewish Kazimierz. One of the top attractions in the city, the area offers a network of narrow cobbled streets with plenty of artisan shops selling unique gifts and intimate cafés where you can taste fine wines and delicacies to make your time even more special.

The charming character of the district combined with Yiddish culture makes for an incredibly romantic experience in Krakow.

@ama_zzz_in

Another idea for a special date?

(8) Boulevards of Krakow and Bernatka Foodbridge

A walk by the Riverside (free)

A walk through Bernatka Footbridge (free)

Take your significant other on a walk through the charming boulevards of Krakow where you can take in the breathtaking panorama of the city, share some cotton candy, and admire the illuminated Bernatka footbridge.

You can also make sure your feelings are secured. Just hang a padlock and throw out the key into the Wisła River.

Does it work?

Well, couples that managed to stay together through the years swear by this method!

(9) The Museum of Aviation

Your kids will be amazed but all the machines presented in the Museum. Let me just add that there are many interactive and multimedia solutions implemented to make the visit truly unforgettable. A little one can really discover the world of airplanes. And believe us it’s truly amazing experience not only for tech-loving kids.

@synfranciszko

(10) Aquapark Krakow

Just look at those slides! Aquapark in one of the best swimming pools in Poland. What makes it so special are all the attractions available for kids and adults. It’s not only about swimming. It’s about fun in the water! You will not regret a day spent in this facility, for sure.

And needless to say, your kids will looove you

@iwonakowalik

(11) Krakow ZOO

A standard ticket (18 PLN)

If you visit Krakow in great weather, head straight to the Krakow Zoo. It includes a great variety of animals both big and small, as well as a playground and a petting zoo your kids will just love. Children under three years of age can enter the Zoo for free.

Krakow Zoo is located in the Wolski Forest at the edge of the city so you can combine the trip to the zoo with a fantastic day out filled with activities like walking and biking along the local trails.

Special offer

DELICIOUS places to visit in Krakow

Foodies flocking to Krakow should definitely embark on one of the food tours offered by various providers all over the city. Foodie tours typically feature visits to four or five establishments so be prepared to get a full meal together with dessert during the course of the tour and arrive with an empty stomach.

(12) U Babci Maliny

If you are looking to try Traditional Polish Cuisine - look no more! Just go to U Babci Maliny and you will have a pleasure to taste the best Polish dishes in Krakow. There is nothing better after a long day of sightseeing.

(13) Folk Show

Let us treat you as our dear guest and show you our famous hospitability. For sure we will not let you leave hungry, that's not optional. So don't even think of counting calories!

(13) Coffee in Krakow

Coffee is an essential part of life - don't you think? If you do, let me tell you where to have THE BEST coffee in Krakow. We did a little investigation and we prepared the entire blog post about it! Check it out and thank me later!

Things to do in Krakow for MUSIC fans

Music lovers coming to Krakow will find many opportunities to enjoy their favorite art. In fact, Krakow is considered the music capital of Poland and is not only home to many theaters and music organizations, including the famous Opera Krakowska and Kraków Philharmonic Orchestra, but it also houses classical music festivals such as the renowned Misteria Paschalia and the Festival of Polish Music.

(15) Jazz in Krakow

If you love jazz, Krakow is the best place to explore in this part of Europe. The city lives and breathes live music in many locales and bars that cater to a wide range of music tastes, with jazz taking the first place.

Be sure to check out U Muniaka. And if you’d like to learn more about the local music scene, have a look at this post for a complete list of live music bars in Krakow.

@kobil_vasyl

COOL things to do in Krakow

(15) Zakrzówek

This is hands down one of the most picturesque places in Krakow. A true gem a little outside of the city center. Just look at it!

@fiollk

(16) Main Market Square Underground Museum

Maybe you are walking around Main Market Square. Maybe you looove it. Maybe you have no idea that there is a medieval world underneath it. Do you? It's interactive, it's modern, it's awesome!

(19) Biking

First, Krakow is an excellent city for biking and its year-round bike share service. Today called Wavelo, the system provides hundreds of public bikes gathered in stations scattered around the city. Tourists can get a special one-day subscription for visitors. It’s just great if you plan to bike around the city, so choose a 3-day option, and you’ll get so much riding time that can be split into as many trips as you want. That type of rental is way cheaper than other bike rental services.

(20) Mounds

Nothing works better than Kopce (Mounds). Krakow offers many parks and green areas, but Kopce is really special, and it makes Krakow a record city in terms of the age and number of surviving mounds.

The oldest mounds are of Krakus and Wanda. However, the most popular mound is dedicated to Tadeusz Kosciuszko. The youngest and smallest mound bears the name of John Paul II. Apparently, the site was also home to a sixth mound located in the park surrounding a nearby palace.

According to legend, the mound was dedicated to Esther, the lover of King Kazimierz the Great who, having heard about his betrayal, jumped out of the window straight into the pond. Today, the place is occupied by training ground of WKS Wawel. The entire area is definitely worth a visit if what you have in mind is a day full of physical activity.

(21) Veit Stoss’ altar

Krakow is a city filled with art to the brim. Medieval masterpieces grace its many churches and museums. One of the most striking examples is the grand altarpiece located in the St. Mary’s Basilica. Sculpted by Veit Stoss (Wit Stwosz), one of the most renowned sculptors of the Gothic era.

@mytravelseurope

(22) Lady with an Ermine

Another significant masterpiece is one of Leonardo da Vinci’s works, ‘Lady with an Ermine’. You will find it in the Czartoryski Museum and you can learn more about in our blog post covering all the mysteries around Lady with an Ermine.

@whowasvickymoreno

(23) MOCAK

The Museum of Contemporary Art in Krakow is definitely a must see. It was established in 2010 and quickly became a famous cultural venue and a key spot on the Krakow’s art map. The building was designed by Claudio Nardi, and today it houses one of the most impressive collections of art created during the last 20 years.

(25) Poster Gallery

Krakow is a real gem for those who love graphic art. Polish poster design is known all over the world for its high artistic quality.

If you’re interested in that type of art, Krakow’s Poster Gallery is a must see. Interestingly, the poster art flourished under the communist regime, and you can still see the typical aesthetics of these posters all over the country in commercial signs.

@rivertatem

(26) Street art

Street art is also becoming big in Krakow. Even though the city still lags behind Warsaw, Wroclaw or Katowice which are established urban art hubs in Poland, Krakow witnessed some new art during the last few years. Many businesses and restaurants ask street artists to help them in advertising, and even the local authorities invite street artists to contribute to the city’s urban landscape.

Street art is considered a legitimate artistic discipline that creates an interesting clash between Krakow’s historical landscape and the modern urban aesthetics.

Things to do in Krakow for YOUNG adults and students

The bustling streets of Krakow are full of students and young people. They come to the city to take advantage of everything it has to offer. Krakow is known for its fantastic nightlife for a reason. The city is home to countless clubs, bars, and pubs that cater to all kinds of tastes.

However, the heart of Krakow’s nightlife is the historic Jewish district, Kazimierz. Brimming with bars and cafés, it’s definitely worth exploring both during the day and at night. So if you are wondering: What are some things to do in Krakow at night, here is your answer:

(27) Eszeweria

I don’t think there is any place more unique than Eszeweria. Some visitors claim it’s a hipster bar, some – that it’s astonishingly romantic. There is only one thing you can do to find out for yourself what this place is really like: check it out for yourself.

Oh, and one more thing:

The entrance is very inconspicuous – don’t be fooled by it. The interior will surprise you.

@tenodfotografii

(28) Forum Przestrzenie

Head over to Podgorze to check out Forum Przestrzenie. Over the years considered nothing more than a Soviet-era hotel used mainly for banners and advertisements. Today the place transformed into one of Krakow’s trendiest spots.

The Soviet-style upper levels of the building, are closed to the general public, but the downstairs welcomes visitors during the night and day. You can check out local designer shops that found a home here. Hang out at the rocky beach during the summer among the locals lounging on beach chairs and ordered food and drinks from the bar inside. Needless to say, that place an amazing spot for enjoying a full view of the Wawel Castle.

(29) Elvis Presley Monument

Polish people must really love the King! Can you imagine that we actually have a Monument dedicated to Elvis Presley? How bizzarre is that! (kinda cool though! :)

*Did you get inspired?*

Visiting Krakow is always fun –no matter who you are and what you’re looking for.

Do you have any questions about Krakow’s attractions?

Or maybe there’s an activity you would recommend? Be sure to leave a comment; we’re always looking for suggestions and recommendations for top things to do in Krakow.

Karolina

Hi! My name is Karolina. I fell in love with Krakow when I moved here a couple of years ago to study. I am glad to work with Discover Cracow and share my passion for this city with our lovely visitors :)

Hi Karolina we are coming to Krakow in the next few weeks for a 5 day stay, both of us 50 years old very young at heart and mind. Love live music, bands , a drink and good food. Can you recommend a good bar for our ages? We are going to auchwitz , possibly the zoo and obviously will explore the museums , and can't wait to try the different foods . Be so grateful for recommendations. Thank you so much . We are so excited .

Dear Yve,
Great news that you are coming to Krakow! If you love food and live music - did you check put our Folk Show? (It's really nice, I would never use this shameless plug if it wasn't ;)) The good bar you should try is Harris Piano Jazz Bar or U Muniaka - those are both really nice Jazz bars. Check out Mleczarnia in the Jewish Quarter if you want to have the best cheesecake ever! And Eszeweria (also Jewish Quarter) - its the most atmospheric place in Krakow in my opinion.
You can email me if you need some more information (karolina.sleczkowska@discovercracow.com)
Cheers!